I just picked up some pebble grain Dainite sole chukkas but would still consider some in suede, especially if they're 3-eyelet. How do you feel about the York or Tomir sole for a slightly lighter shoe? Also, @watchidiot is heading up some efforts in this direction, so I'd reach out to him.

I'm really interested in tobacco suede and would prefer that to polo, I think.

What about Victory soles? They are low-profile and hard wearing; great balance. I think tobacco would look great.

I just picked up some pebble grain Dainite sole chukkas but would still consider some in suede, especially if they're 3-eyelet. How do you feel about the York or Tomir sole for a slightly lighter shoe? Also, @watchidiot is heading up some efforts in this direction, so I'd reach out to him.

I'm really interested in tobacco suede and would prefer that to polo, I think.

What's the difference between Tobacco and Polo? Also are you sure the Tomir and York are lighter than Dainite? Any expert advice, @Leaves ?

As many of you already know the non-EU retailers (mainly US and Hong Kong) are feeling very threatened by EU retailers and the weak Euro. This has led them to put a lot of pressure on the manufacturers to protect their markets. Out of respect for these manufacturers we have agreed to make some changes. I will in short explain how these changes will affect our business. If you have already placed an order, we will of course honor this price. New policies will NOT affect a placed order.

As a first step we will launch a new Skoaktiebolaget US Store in September– available for US clients only. All prices will be listed in USD. The Skoaktiebolaget US Store will list the final price you will pay – any customs and handling fees are included in the listed price – I want to be very clear in regards of this. We will offer free shipping for any order over $150. In order for us to handle the customs and handling fees for our clients we will have to use FedEx as a courier. I know a lot of you are worried about the customs fees by using FedEx - but as stated above - this will be handled by Skoaktiebolaget.

As a second step we will launch a non-EU store front – the Skoaktiebolaget International Store. The final details in regards of the Skoaktiebolaget International Store will be revealed later – not all makers have formalized a policy yet.

The “old” Skoaktiebolaget web store will be available for EU clients only.

Which manufacturers will be affected?

Enzo Bonafé - has clearly said that they do not wish to enforce recommended retail prices. They adopt a free pricing policy for the time being.

Carmina – I am waiting for Carmina to formalize their US policy. It is however clear that there will be some kind of increase in price. Most likely the minimum recommended retail price for a pair of Carmina will be around $450-500 USD regardless if it’s through an EU retailer or a local US retailer. It is unclear at this point if an International non-EU policy will follow, but it is highly likely.

Edward Green – The US price policy has already kicked in for MTOs - as advertised earlier. Our in-store stock items will see a price increase as soon as we launch our Skoaktiebolaget US Store. For more info in regards of the Edward Green US policy follow this link. It is likely that more limitations, similar to the US policy, will follow internationally.

Gaziano & Girling – Tony and Dean has a minimum recommended retail price that all retailers must follow – they have said nothing yet in regards of limitations in the US or elsewhere.

Saint Crispin’s – There is a new price policy regarding non-EU orders. We have been allowed a grace period until August 31 for MTOs and our ready-to-wear stock will not change prices until the new US and International store fronts are ready in September. For non-EU orders prices will start at about €1235 / $1400 USD for base styles including hollowed shoe trees.

In short - anyone that wants to take advantage of the old pricing in SEK should do so before the end of August.

will the scheduled Carmina august deliveries arrive and be available for purchase before september?

What's the difference between Tobacco and Polo? Also are you sure the Tomir and York are lighter than Dainite? Any expert advice, @Leaves ?

I've owned or own all three soles. Standard dainite is heaviest, stiffest, and sturdiest. Then York, then tomir. Tomir almost feels like a leather sole in most respects to me. Tomir does seem to have better grip on wet pavement if I recall.